Mapping the Generations of My Place

Description:

This participatory training activity invites participants to explore the intergenerational dynamics connected to their local community and intangible cultural heritage. Working in groups, participants create a “Generational Map” of their chosen place by identifying different generations, key knowledge holders, cultural practices, and relationships between people connected to local heritage. The activity encourages participants to reflect on how traditions, stories, skills, and community practices are transmitted across generations, while also identifying gaps or weak links in this process. Through collaborative mapping and reflection, participants gain a deeper understanding of Sense of Place and the importance of intergenerational learning in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. The activity is especially relevant for rural or remote communities where local knowledge and traditions are at risk of disappearing.

What do participants do in the activity?

Participants work in small groups to create a visual map of the generations connected to their chosen place. They identify key actors, cultural knowledge holders, local practices, and relationships between generations. Groups then present their maps to the plenary, highlighting strong intergenerational connections as well as gaps in knowledge transmission. The activity concludes with a collective reflection on the role of intergenerational learning in preserving local heritage.

What do participants learn?

Participants learn how to identify and analyse intergenerational relationships linked to local intangible cultural heritage. They develop a better understanding of how knowledge is transmitted across generations, recognise challenges related to cultural continuity, and reflect on opportunities for community-based intergenerational learning and heritage safeguarding.